We at the Pittsburgh Shambhala Meditation Center hope to foster a space where queer Shambhalians can come together to have difficult conversations about nonidentity, queerness, and the vision of Shambhala while holding each other in the cradle of loving kindness. We offer this weekend as an opportunity to be vulnerable and kind with each other so that we may leave the retreat better equipped…

We dream a dream – of happiness. The dream impels us forward, takes us places, and shapes our choices. After all, what’s life without a dream?As the song goes:“Sweet dreams are made of thisWho am I to disagree?I travel the world and the seven seas,Everybody’s looking for something.”Who am I to disagree with the eternal chase for an elusive dream? Is complacent surrender our only choice?…

Prepare yourself to experience nature like never before! This retreat will take us into the woods of Pennsylvania to connect with the land and develop a fresh lens of observation.Using what nature provides, we’ll cover the Core 4 survival priorities: shelter, water, fire, and food. Learn what plants are edible (and taste them!), collect safe drinking water, build a fire or shelter with…

A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God’s voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes. Our Spiritual Directors on staff will be conducting this 6-day…

An individual may make a retreat at the Center for a few hours, for a few days, or for an extended period of time. During this time, the retreatant may meet with a spiritual director or just spend some time in personal prayer or quiet reflection. The Center kitchen is closed Sunday dinner through Monday lunch. If you would like to stay Sunday into Monday, please make arrangements to provide…

A directed retreat at St. Raphaela Center is a time of quiet in order to enhance attentiveness to God’s voice within you and in your life. A reverent silence is maintained throughout the Retreat Center at all times including during meals. Each retreatant meets with his/her director daily for approximately 45 minutes. Our Spiritual Directors on staff will be conducting this 6-day…

Advent seems like it is light years away, but before we know it our consumer world will be showing signs of Christmas. It is never too early to begin to ponder how am I going to make this Advent season more spiritually focused than other Advents?Why not consider setting aside some time now to schedule an Advent Directed Retreat Weekend at St. Raphaela Center.What is a Directed Retreat Weekend?…

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Why Retreat?

We asked people why they go on retreat, here's what they said:

To reconnect with my inner self, found ground through the movement of my body and breath. Awake.
Jane

Retreat Guru's Vision

We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.